Discuss James 1 Page 3

Hi Fuji,

Was Jesus in heaven before creation? My understanding is no. Many will say Jesus is part of a Triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons, all co-equal, and co-eternal so that would put Him in heaven before creation.

God is a Spirit John 4:24, so if Jesus were in heaven His form would be Spirit. Are there verses on their own that would support the Trinity, yes. But we must keep a verse in context and compare it to other Scriptures about the same subject and not start with the answer, or a preconceived idea. We should let the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit give us the answer and meaning.

A few thoughts. In John 1:1 what beginning is John referring to, the beginning of creation or the beginning of Jesus's ministry, when He was anointed with the Holy Ghost becoming the Messiah, Matthew 4:16-17. We see the same introduction in 1 John 1:1 and others. In Revelation 19:13 Jesus's name is called the Word of God is that saying Jesus is God?

God was manifested in Jesus through the Holy Spirit, 1 John 1:1, Luke 4:18, John 14:10. The life eternal that was with God was manifested on earth through Jesus that we may fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ 1 John 1:2-7.

I will not go on and on but to me, there is one problem the Trinity doctrine creates I cannot find an answer.

God is perfect and cannot change, in the doctrine that would be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The law was made for man and a man had to fulfill it. A man who could sin had to live a perfect life without sin to pay the penalty. Jesus did and paid the penalties for sin with His death. God cannot die and God cannot sin nor can He be tempted James 1:13, so He could not fulfill the law. Jesus was born without sin as the first Adam but could sin, the first Adam was not obedient and sinned. The last Adam, Jesus, was obedient to the Father and sinned not Romans 5:19. If God sacrificed Himself John 3:16 is not true.

God bless,

RLW

DEPRAVITY

Pt. 5

Before being regenerated we obey our sinful nature, which we are slaves to and we disobey God, who we do not wish please nor can we seek Him, desire Him, call on Him, or do any righteous act while aliened from God as His enemy and our stubborn resistance to believe Him, though we know He exists, as He has revealed Himself to humanity. Humans cannot please God for every aspect of themselves that contributes to their decisions, even to do good to others, is tainted by sin. Any actions we may consider to be righteous can never erase any of our own sin nor can we be reconciled to God by our own acts of righteousness. Romans 9:32 says that humans try to establish their own righteousness before God by obeying the law, but God does not accept any of it. This is because, as James 1:2 says, that if one obeys all of the law except one time disobeying one requirement of the law that person is guilty of breaking all of the law as far as God is concerned.

So, then, every one of us are guilty of all the law before God because we resist Him in our ways, words and work to circumvent His authority and sovereignty continually. We are at enmity to God and will not submit to His rule and reign in our lives and hearts, nor can unregenerate flesh do so. ( Romans 8:7)

Fallen humans are without God, without hope, without righteousness, without redemption, without the ability to contribute anything towards their salvation. Fallen humans are lost, worthless to God, alienated from Him, separated from Him, unable to come to Him unless God chooses a person to be saved by election, by God's sovereign choice. ( Romans 9:16)

Scripture makes clear in so many passages that unregenerated cannot, due to lack of ability, and will not, due to preferring sin to obedience, effect a remedy their fallen state before God. It is a sovereign free act of God that saves anyone. We cannot compel God to save us, neither can we choose Him in our unredeemed state.

See Pt. 6

Hello DLHenri-2025. I concur with what Fuji has shared with you & would like to add the following for your encouragement. Yes, the Letter by James, as all other writings given to us, both show us our sin, God's hatred of all things evil (within & without), but also His great Plan of Salvation in & through Himself for lost mankind. If we are truly saved (born again by His Spirit by repentance & hungering after holy & eternal things), then we know that we have been called by God to receive His Salvation & given power to lead this new, special & holy life. Sure, sin will always knock at our door, particularly seeking out weak, vulnerable entrances to cause us to fall, resulting in us even doubting the validity of what God has done in us. And God knows this too well, as Psalm 103:13,14 reminds us. He doesn't expect us to get victory in our strength alone, for we are weak against the enemy of our souls. That is why He gave His Holy Spirit to give us power, direction, even 'a way of escape', if we are truly waiting on Him. And sometimes, this takes time, a long time, to mature & develop the same hatred for anything of sin & spots from the world.

I would encourage you to take time to read through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, & particularly chapters 1 and 2. In there, he clearly affirms the strong & eternal position we have in Christ Jesus, & nothing, but nothing, can alter that. Why? Because you are chosen & He has changed you. The same Paul, when he was severely buffeted to despair of life ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10), whether by some sin, doubt or fear, was assured by the Lord that 'God's Grace was sufficient (given in sufficient measure) for him to bear up - God's Strength will be perfected (in Greek, 'completed/accomplished') through Paul's weakness. We can all truly be encouraged by the Promises of God which can be realized in reality. Don't give up dear one, stay true to the Lord in spite of your trials - He never fails - He will not let you down. With prayers.

Hello there ! Don't be discouraged ! James is the kind of book that makes even the most devoted Christian examine themselves very carefully . Every time I read it I feel guilty , as if James was looking right into me as he wrote it ! It seems to me that James has listed all my faults and failings and is rebuking me personally . I'm sure this is intentional , it's easy for us to sometimes be a bit self satisfied and pleased with ourselves , imagining that we are better than we actually are . To me , the book of James is there to bring me back down to the reality of who and what I actually am , a sinner , in need of God's mercy and forgiveness every day . It's like a report card that says ' must do better ' and it's addressed to us all , not just you and not just me . Take it on the chin and vow to do better tomorrow , every day !

makes me wonder. I must be a deep sinner; I thought that I was always with the God up above all this time. now this scares me. how do I convince myself I am a believer

Day 25 January 25,2025 James 1:5-8 KJV

Seeking God's Wisdom West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar

Me a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California

I Pray asking God for wisdom to make godly decisions, having faith in which is already done for me of my heart, words of mouth and being my shield.- Ephesians 6:16 KJV

My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:

"To give up believing in within yourself to be done not with God and him doing it for you.

Ways to help you to not believe in doing yourself without God are

Prayer Matthew 7:7 KJV Believing Jesus Christ Is God the Father Proverbs 19:20 KJV

Listen to his voice and Word to obey, follow "do it" in speaking actions, attention of communications.

God wants you to come into his sanctuary-today's Christian Church and read holy bible, to learn about Jesus Christ being God and Intentions "And it shall be giving you" John 17:3 KJV

Principle-Holy To all religions. Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God. To have faith, hope, love."

Wisdom helps you obey God in feelings of short comings, failures. God wants you to come to Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:13 KJV

James 1:6 KJV

My Respond REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:

" No challenges, afflictions, tests will occur about or upon me I John 1:3 KJV- Gaurtenteed

Definition

Wisdom - Comes from the knowledge of God, and the capacity to make use of it, discernment, judgment, discretion, sagacity, skill, dexterity.

James 1:7 KJV

My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:

" That you see your life as real here on earth in Jesus Christ Holy Bible, instructions on how to live life. In repentance of sins. James 4:8 KJV Jesus Christ is the only way to make life to reality. John 14:6 KJV scriptures text is for you to believe in Jesus Christ to get what you want and also is a book you can read only. "We believe the Bible to be inspired and only infallible written Word of God."

Word Spoken and WrittenBy REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY

Brother Spencer,

It's possible that if they had the Holy Spirit, they may have been able to discern, but no guarantee. As for Matthew 28:17, those who were following along but still had doubt seem to fit the description given to us in James 1:8 of a "double-minded man." In Matthew Chapter 28, they see Jesus, they are worshipping Him, but there's another side of them that says this is too good to be true. They still had their doubts.

We know that Peter trusted Jesus, but when he was placed in an extremely difficult circumstance, he began to doubt as we see in Matthew 14:31. Peter was trying to look at Jesus and trust Him, and yet looking at the circumstances at the same time. We know Peter was saved. What become of those doubters in Matthew 28:17, we don't know but we can only hope that the Lord removed their doubt just as He did for Peter.

Blessings again my brother!

Loretta, I am praying for you.

Your post has attracted a lot of comments.

Do not be confused.

Trust YAH/GOD [ Proverbs 3:5-6] and go to HIS Word and let it lead you and guide you.

HE and HE alone IS the Great Physician [ Isaiah 53:5 & Psalm 103:3] although HE has HIS representatives on the earth, they are in the vast minority because as it is written satan has deceived the "whole" world [ Revelation 12:9]

Pharmakeia [pharmaceuticals] by its very definition in the Greek means witchcraft. [ pharmakea, far-mak-i'-ah; from G5332; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively):-sorcery, witchcraft.]

So be very discerning and ALWAYS ask the HOLY SPIRIT OF YAH for Wisdom [ James 1:5] that you may understand HIS Word to sift out truth from fiction or truth from half truths, that HE may guide your feet to [ Psalm 119:105] where HE may want you to go and to whom, if any, that HE may want you to go to.

Also that most of all, HE would teach you about the power and authority that HE has placed in you, even from the foundation of the world [ Ephesians 1:4-6]; and which HE reinforced in the forming of the template [Adam] of material man [ Genesis 1:26 ] when HE [ELOHIM- I.E. THE PLURALITY OF HIMSELF] said Let US make man in our own image and likeness; and again when YESHUA/JESUS said that you can do all that HE does and even more [ John 14:12]

May YAH continue to Keep you. In YESHUA MIGHTY NAME.AMEN.

James 1:14 states how each man is drawn away from God by their own lusts and desires. In light of the dream I mentioned the other night which I surely expect many think I am going off the deep end I have had time to consider it and realize that part of it probably stemmed from my prayer that the Lord could remove me or take me away from my current living situation in the Rapture. This led to the nightmare where I indeed did follow something and managed to get outside when before I left my own front yard things were taken from me and I realized that I was under the total control of the Beast system; although not having taken the mark.

Fear of death is something which we need to overcome; not by our own stength but by the Spirit. The opposite; of course is any delusion we have of our own freedoms which after the Rapture will be taken over by the Beast system. Those who are unredeemed will be basically like moths in the dark attracted to the one light bulb present in a room. This is what makes our current situation so frightening that somehow once God's judgments begin the enticement of the world and it's riches and allure will still be sufficient to drown men in perdition. Long after the food supply is cut to starvation levels; and the other seal judgments have transpired the deception of Satan will be so strong that men will willingly serve and worship him. This business of men being forced to take the mark simply doesn't hold water because those who ARE in the Book of Life cannot do such a thing.

Thus; for now we as Christians are targets for Satan's schemes to render us paralyzed and make us think we are also going to be caught up in the net that the rest of the world is going to suffer through. ( Luke 21:35). Let us realize that God as with Paul can use Satan to buffet us; in particular when we have a weakness in our armor due to sin; but as in this case; not always.

The war is won; the battles are fierce but we dare not rely on our own power.

God is Unique

Part 3

These other things would be God, not the God of Scripture.

With the doctrine of simplicity, His immutability is one aspect of His divine simplicity. James 1:17 speaks of this when he says that in God there is no shadow of turning. This means that there is no changing in Him and no variation or alteration or degree or greater or lesser of anything of His Being. This tells us that God is not made of parts, that He is unable to be anything than what He is eternally and He is perfect in every possible way to be perfect.

Divine simplicity also speaks of God actually Being what He reveals of Himself and also what we have yet to know of Hm. He is all that He describes Himself to be. he does not have attributes or perfections, He is these. For instance, the Scriptures tell us that God is I AM (IS) saying that He is existence. (EX, 3:14) He says that He is life, ( John 14:6) along with the truth and way. God is light ( I John 1:5. God is Spirit John (4:24): God says, I am merciful, ( Ex. 22:27). John 11:25 Jesus say He is the Resurrection and the Life. These are just some of the examples where God equates His attributes with who He is not what He has.

Another aspect of God's uniqueness is that He is the only God that exists; no other God will be made or come into existence, nor was there any other God who preceded Him See Is. 46:9. Is.44:6-8; Is. 43:10-Isaiah, who saw the LORD (Jesus) on the throne in heaven in Is. 6; and John 8:38-41. This uniqueness as the one and only true divine being is the very basis of our faith.

Another aspect of God's uniqueness is His oneness- He is a unified single God who exists as three distinct persons-the Father, the Son, and the hoy Spirit who all three share the divine nature equally, eternally, and fully. I will speak more of this in my next post on "God is a UNITY".

God's uniqueness sets Him apart from all else. There is no one like Him!

Spiritual warfare

I need to remind myself more and more often that all the events we see in the world today are just a reflection of what is going on in high places today; with the raging spiritual war in the 2nd heaven. Of course it is only through the 3rd heaven; exercising the authority through the Spirit of the power of Christ above that enables us to actually engage in any combat to resist the legions of evil that are controlling the masses today.

The sad fact is that many professing believers aren't really in the faith at all; and the rest that are only have a small segment that are in this "vertical" aspect in the spiritual realm. In terms of what is proclaimed; therefore in the first example people are calling on endless blessings by making presumptuous proclamations and twisting certain verses to align with their own agendas. In the second case; for all those who have the potential to be in the battle many aren't protected with the proper armor or are not offensively fighting with the sword of the Spirit as Ephesians 12 tells us to do as our only offensive weapon we have.

It is one thing to preach of God's love and forgiveness to God's enemies as Jesus did; selflessly until death. People can over or underemphasize the fact of man's depravity and enmity with God with humans; but with demons and Satan himself we dare not make the mistake of viewing them as anything but enemies; out to steal; kill and destroy both our own lives as individuals through various means such as intimidation; accusation and temptation but also controlling the whole world system (world; flesh and devil).

Here is some practical advice.

1 Corinthians 5:11

James 1:26

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Jude 1:23

2 Timothy 3:13

Ephesians 5:11-12

2 Corinthians 6:17

1 Peter 5:8-9

Proverbs 4:23-27

God is working all things according to His purposes for our good. To be tried we are tested to see what is genuine ( 1 Peter 1:7).

May God grant us the strength to endure until the end.

Differences between God and Satan in terms of the soul

The law of diminishing returns which our natural man itself is subject to means that all pleasures in life at some point apart from the Lord are vanity. God's gifts are from above without variableness or shadow ( James 1:17 loosely translated). The enemy infuses evil spirits to gradually bring men from what appeared at first to be a wonderful experience to one of torment and bondage. No wonder he is described as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14).

Clearly then our enemy doesn't appear like a creature with horns and a pitchfork. His true ugliness isn't from the outer appearance but from the corrupted nature that he has instilled in the world system ( James 3:15). We could say the opposite about the Lord; He doesn't have to show off; and there isn't anything appealing to the flesh in Him. Of course we all will be flat on our faces when He comes but His beauty shows forth to us mainly in righteousness and through the remnant Body of believers who are sold out for Him. Only God knows who are His; but the lukewarm show no clear difference from the world at large and are neither transforming society with salt or light or being any real help to the remnant that are fighting through daily spiritual warfare and not being given aid on the battlefield.

God grants legal authority to Satan based on two things; one as with Job to demonstrate testing and trials on a righteous man to exalt him further in the end or two the most common thing someone has sin in their lives allowing the enemy to continue to work on holding someone in bondage so that he is rendered ineffective for the Kingdom of God.

The Lord makes it clear; that He is Lord and Master as well as Savior; that He doesn't tolerate any others in charge over His subjects. The sooner we realize that true freedom comes through serving the Lord and not to being served what the world offers the better off we will be. (see Luke 14:28).

Hey S Spencer,

Thank you, brother, I know we have discussed it before and I think we both respect and care for each other as brothers. I will try not to rehash that discussion forgive me if there is some overlap, but could Christ have sinned your answer is no, I will just use this verse James 1:13, your answer, according to this verse He could not even have been tempted but Jesus was tempted or tested and Jesus stayed obedient to the Father. Temptation or testing is for an answer to whether someone will be obedient or disobedient, Romans 5:19.

1 Timothy 3:16 the word manifest is the Greek word phanero meaning to make visible, make clear. Jesus did that. In the flesh, I ask when did this happen? Did this happen when Mary conceived or when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and became the Messiah/Christ?

Hebrews 1:1-3 God spoke to us by His Son every word Jesus said was the word of God, not His. Jesus shunned Philip when he asked Jesus to show them the Father, John 14:9-10, every word Jesus said was the Father.

As I have said when God placed Adam in the garden he did not have a sinful nature but he sinned and was disobedient. Jesus was not conceived by man but by the Holy Ghost, Jesus did not have the sinful nature past down by the first Adam, but He was obedient and did not sin.

I did not say anything about the cross but after Jesus prayed in the garden asking the Father if there was any other way Jesus was obedient to the end, being beaten, nailed to the cross, and giving His life for us.

If the first Adam was created with a sinful nature could God say He saw everything He had made, and it was very good? This sinful nature has a sentence of death, and it was after Adam ate the fruit that it was applied, and it spread to all. Adam was the figure of him that was to come, Jesus, the last Adam who by His obedience we have hope. How can one be obedient if they cannot be disobedient? To say Jesus was sinless and obedient becomes a farce.

God bless,

RLW

Hi Ronald.

Part 1.

You stated; "We are told

our Savior our priest and the only mediator between us, and God was tempted as we are tempted, would not this temptation only be valid if he could succumb to temptation and was able to sin?

As you said,

I know we have discussed this in the past and yes we know each other stance on this.

However, let me share my understanding on this from what I have gathered and some from this very site.

When dealing with whether Christ could have sinned, the short answer is no He's God. I know we don't agree on that so no need for a debate there.

Now, one would ask "how could God (IN THE FLESH) be tempted? That's who Christ was here on earth. God in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16.

You referenced Hebrews 4:15. It reads "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

This doesn't say Jesus was tempted to sin as if he had a sin nature inherited from Adam.

The word tested here is "peiraz" which is to test (objectively) that is endeavor, scrutinize entice discipline: - assay examine go about to prove.

Christ was tested while in the flesh and "can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;

This doesn't mean he is fighting back the urge to sin! It means he's being enticed but yet his testing was to prove him.

You see an example of the word temptation being used this way in James 1:12. The word here is peirasmos. It means putting to proof (by experiment [of good] experience [of evil] solicitation discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: - temptation.

Also;

The mocking Christ on the cross was not a test. He was where he wanted to be and doing what he came to do.

They had no power over him and the nails didn't hold him to that cross, love did.

He could have come down any time he wanted to.

He was in control, not them! John 19:9-11.

See Part 2.

The tempting of Satan.

Hi Bennymkje.

You asked,

If the 12 tribes are still around and truly under the Law of Moses do they need to be have numbered?

End quote

Bennymkje, they are numbered in Revelation so there won't be no mistake who John is identifying.

You asked, Isn't circumcision is a sign for them? As with Seth stepping in to fill the void of Abel so many number of Christians from the left out church redeem themselves.

Yes, circumcision is a sign for them.

But, Seth stepping in to fill the void of Abel has nothing to do with them showing up in Revelation.

The message is the sacrifice by faith.

As for the tribes being lost

in James 1:1 it seems they are not lost, nor were they ever lost.

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

However Bennymkje, neither of these topics answers Tdianne's question.

"Where does it says no one but the 144,000 goes to Heaven.

God bless.

In this chapter we see Jesus once again referring to His upcoming death burial and resurrection and the extreme sadness it caused the Disciples. We could see 3 reasons for this sudden interruption in the narrative and story for Jesus to say this:

1) The distraction of the events thus far of what was already most of Jesus' earthly ministry would make the Disciples complacent in thinking this would go on for many more years.

2) The main goal and focus was on His sacrifice for the sins of man to be accomplished on Calvary. Only at that point could men be able to enter heaven immediately upon death; whereas before they would have to be in Sheol (in the pleasant side).

3). In His departure; they would be the ones to continue to carry out the ministry through leadership after the Spirit came down at Pentecost and changed them. They would have to be stripped of all their confidence and all die a martyrs death exept for John. None of them would be ready when Jesus was arrested as they all ran away along with Peter. Only the Lord would get them through that.

In all honesty it is hard here just as it is contemplating what He said in Gethsemane as to the weakness of their flesh and their falling asleep due again to sorrow. God assures us that every tear is known ( Psalm 56:8). No doubt in eternity there will be reward for suffering in faith; we have consolation in what the world can't have. We have to believe that even in our own martryrdom if it comes to that or natural death is to glorify Christ and there are rewards for martyrs ( James 1:12). Paul also was given a reaction of great sorrow when he announced his imprisonment ( Acts 21:10-14). It would appear his death came at a much later date but Paul always focused on ministry and looked forward to being with the Lord; no wonder after the brutality he had to endure on and off for years in various imprisonments beforehand. He knew when his departure was near ( 2 Tim. 4) and Peter as well ( 2 Peter 1:12

Page 3.

James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.

This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.

Further thoughts on Psalm 2

As we apply these verses to prayer; we may consider that His victory means our victory; in the sense of our eternal future living with Him forever in heaven as well as now; when we suffer for His Name's sake we are fulfilling the Great Commission; and are assured of a reward in heaven as Jesus alludes to in the Sermon on the Mount. All of our life should therefore be wrapped up in the greater purposes; sowing in tears to reap later in joy ( Psalm 126:5-6). The meaning and purpose of earthly blessings common to man is only appreciated in the light of the weight of eternal glory. We ask for good things so that we can further His Kingdom; especially in regard to the filling of the Holy Spirit ( Luke 11:13). In praise; we ask that the King be exalted; and of course that starts in our hearts.

We look at Christ who suffered and His visage was marred more than any man ( Isaiah 52:14). But He shall see and be satisfied with His travail ( Isaiah 53:11). He willingly suffered in our place to fulfill the wish of the Father; but also came to serve and not be served as an example to us. ( Mark 10:45). We shall see Him exalted and victorious and no longer suffering; and no doubt He will rejoice for us as well. Therefore; we endure knowing that patience will have it's perfect work ( James 1:4).

This doesn't mean we don't long every day to see an end to suffering; but we know that we are gaining further eternal rewards in continuing to live faithfully until death or He comes on this earth. This should be a motivation primarily for others; we see the beginnings of what surely will be increasing numbers of Christians persecuted and martyred as we approach the end. We weary having not only to deal with our own sin and the terrible conditions of the last days but the spiritual warfare which is no doubt at fever pitch today. We must continue to boldly declare His coming conquest and victory even when looking like fools ( 1 Cor. 1:25)

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:3 KJV

God being all knowing. How long will the test or trying of faith last? When will the trying of your faith end? When will tests and trials end. It will last as long as God allows it to last. Why so long? Because God knows how much a believer an bear (even though the believer, themselves may not realize how much they can actually bear). The trying of our faith comes from God. He (God) created the test therefore He knows how long it should last. God created and administers all tests according to each ones ability. The testing of our faith comes from God. If the test lasts longer than we think it should then the believer needs to exam and question themselves as to why God saw fit to give a test that does not seem to end. A believer should be glad if God allows some relief or happy times during the trying of their faith and if the trying of faith lasts a long time or seems like it will never end then know that God is working things out for the good of the believer (you want to go to heaven right?). If a believer wants to see God's face in peace, a believer (with God's help) must endure to the end, wavering or wanting nothing (in other words you want to live a right according to the word of God), "be steadfast" "be unmovable" "continue in the faith" "be Christ minded" "focus on the things of God" God knows where a believer (or sinner is) at all times "he never sleeps nor slumbers" "the only wise God." It's not so much that the test is so trying it's that sinful flesh is so corrupt...and it will take the trying or testing of a believers faith to ensure a believer qualifies to exist in the presence of God, here on earth and then in eternity. "be still and know that He is God"

Hello Texsis.

I have been thinking of you and praying for you. So glad to hear from you again.

Here are some verses that may be helpful. The Lord will guide you in the verses to share with your riend.

Ps . 31.5 Jn. 14:6

Ps. 119:43 Gal. 2:5

Is. 45:19 Eph.1:13

Dan. 10:21 Col. 1:5

James 1:18

I have a new manager on my concourse at the airport named Sam, a Believer and former pastor in Africa. Asking for prayer for him for godly wisdom for an easy and light transition ( Matthew 11:28-30), wisdom to learn the work culture and rightly identify issues ( James 1:5), he is fastened like a peg in the position, in a secure place ( Isaiah 22: 23)

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;" 1 Timothy 3:2 KJV

Being blameless means having the ability and capacity to be responsible to duties and obligations; and be an example for others on how a responsible person should act or carry themselves.

Earlier in I Timothy 3 it states that if one desires the office of a Bishop. "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." 1 Timothy 3:1 KJV. Any good desires a man (or woman) has comes from God. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17 KJV The desire itself to become a Bishop comes from God. According to scripture only men (or males) can become Bishops.

A Bishop must be blameless (responsible).

Reading the Word (part 3)

The fear of the Lord. With my scripture memory still lacking I will cite the verse "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and then ask the readers to discover how many times that is mentioned and perhaps do a further study on the subject. Today's sermon was from 1 Peter specifically in verse 17 discussing how as believers we should have fear that in general isn't with terror but at times if we have sin in our lives it probably some of that should shake us up. The story of Ananias and Sapphira was examined as to the reaction of the church afterwards and the Holy fear and terror invoked ( Acts 5:1-11).

It is easy for us to sit in our comfy place and read about destruction of whole cities or the future Tribulation and not have it speak to us. Some want to symbolize some of the literal statements of judgment; but I am not focusing on that. We can look at events in the far past and future as so remote from us that we don't sense the relevance; specifically it's prompting us to get busy spreading the Gospel and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. ( James 1:27). With so many trying to predict the time the Lord is coming back and put together all the puzzle pieces can ignore the many CONDITIONAL promises which are just as true. Specific behaviors good or bad bear certain fruits as well as resulting in blessing or cursing. I have seen this true in at least one case warning a person about continuing in certain behavior (in that case I believe it was followed by a mental breakdown). We can't be sure when we will reap what we sow; it is for sure in final judgment. This seems very cut and dry; for instance verses talking about the insanity of a foolish man committing adultery. Proverbs 22:14 brings the point out that men who follow God escape these traps but the wicked are caught in their own traps that they try to ensnare others ( Psalm 141:10 also found in Proverbs and no doubt other Psalms).

More in part 4

Yes S.Spencer,

We are perfect because we are "in Christ Jesus" by His saving work. We are never perfect due to avoiding sin actions. Our whole being is corrupted by sin. It tempts us in our sinful nature and then this nature produces sin in us. ( James 1:13-15)



And every good thing we do is but filthy rags before God, who alone is perfectly holy and righteous. Every good thing we do is tainted by our sinful nature. But even so, we do not give up on fighting against the sinful nature within and also desire and work at obeying God. But this is not done in our own strength, but in the power that Jesus had to live a perfect life and that raised Him from the dead that we have at our avail through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Our holiness comes from Jesus' righteousness PERIOD. We on our own do not have the righteousness of God that is acceptable to Him. We receive this righteousness from Jesus' and believe what is said in Scriptures that His life, death, and resurrection cleanses us from all iniquity so that we can stand before the Father without sin, but it is always Jesus' sin-free and incorruptible character that merits us this place of right standing before God.

While it is true that positionally we are sin-free in Christ, in moment to moment living we are not. As some say, we have faults, shortcomings, weaknesses, errors in our thinking and judgment and actions that are somewhat automatic. This is the corruption in us which God never has. He alone is perfect and pure and righteous and holy ALWAYS. Though some do not see these propensities as sin, I do, because of what is said about the heart of man being deceitfully wicked above all things and desperately so, and without cure (by man) to paraphrase Jer. 17:9. No one can truly know how wicked our own heart is, only God knows. So, anyone who says that they are sinless and do not sin are deceived, as Jeremiah says.

I guess I need to go to part 2.

Justification. Sanctification and Glorification.

Part 8. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.)

So Paul's example has to do with the early part of Abraham's life. When James presents his argument, we find that he deals with the end of Abraham's life and the offering of Isaac upon the altar. This was the last appearance of God to this man, and James says, in essence, "Now here is the example of what faith has done in this man's life - it has brought him to make the supreme sacrifice."

Look again at James 2:21: "Was not Abraham, our father, justified by works, when he had offered Isaac, his son, upon the altar?" Now in what way does the offering of Isaac reveal the fact that Abraham was justified by works? To see this clearly, we need to notice some very familiar facts. These interesting incidents took place toward the end of the life of Abraham when God called upon him to make the great sacrifice - which was the supreme crisis in his life.

God's Test - Genesis 22.

"And it came to pass after these things, that God did test Abraham" ( Genesis 22:1). The King James Version uses the word "tempt," but the New Scofield Reference Bible changes it to "test." I know that it's the same Greek word that you will find for "tempt," but you will also recall that James says,

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. ( James 1:13)

Now when a man is tempted with evil, it is never God tempting him; it is Satan. God does not tempt men with evil; He tempts them with the good. He tests men in that sense. God's tests always lead to discipline and development of Christian character and life, while the tests and temptations of Satan always lead to the destruction of the life of the individual. Here we see that Abraham is being tested of God for his own good.

See Part 9. God's Test - Genesis 22 continued.

Chris,

Part two,

Hebrews 2:7 Jesus was fully human and was tempted just as we are Hebrews 4:15 God cannot be tempted, James 1:13. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 Philippians 2:9 again my understanding is all was in and through Jesus in the plan and forethought in the mind of God, logos.

1 Peter 1:19-20 Yes in God's plan my understanding the Greek is not by whom but through whom the Greek word dia, same as in John 1:3 it is through Him not by Him. In Jesus and through Jesus being the first in God's plan came everything like you said "God's Plan & Purpose for redemption" the new creation that was in God's plan.

Jesus was the beginning in God's plan and was begotten in Mary's womb. Like today where you and I are to God it is the same as if we were there with Him on the new earth and His plan has been completed. He is the beginning and the end, and it started with Jesus His Son before any creation and in and through Jesus came all and in the fulness of time He was brought forth into the world.

As in John 1 God's word was manifested in the flesh of His Son Jesus. When Jesus was anointed and became the Messiah/Christ by the Holy Spirit, God was in Jesus and the words Jesus spoke were God's words. The light that shined through Jesus was God, the works were done by the Spirit of God in Jesus, all was done for the glory of God.

I know you may not agree but that is my understanding and if you have any other questions, I will reply to the best of my ability, I own you that. Can I answer all, no I cannot, there are many verses that I am still in search of the truth of.

Love you brother and God bless.

RLW

"I don't believe that the Pope is speaking for God allowing for same sex marriages and the Pope isn't great, matter of fact I believe the the Pope is Satan himself." I don't believe he speaks for God either and, indeed, he personifies Satan himself. I was being factious. I left Catholicism too when I left my Catholic home at 18. I couldn't stand it and was so relieved when it was in my past.

I don't know exactly what you mean when you say "and have been searching for a long time for the "true" religion." "True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:7. Because you are a true believer, God is in your heart, soul and mind. You belong to God. Those who are true believers are The Church of God, sometimes called the Kingdom of God. You are a part of the Body of Christ. This is your religion. James is saying if you love God you will show His love unconditionally, but especially to the needy and keep yourself holy. If you wonder how you can "keep unspotted in the world" do this - read Exodus 20: 1-17. These are the ten commandments of God-not laws-commandments written by God Himself. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5: 3 and Jesus said: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30. Some Christians teach a Sinning/Christian doctrine but this is false. We may have weakness and faults as a true believer. These are not sins. When we are born again we are not "perfect", of course, but God helps us overcome these weaknesses and faults by maturing in Him but we are to "go and sin no more." John 8: 3-11/ 11- ....... And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." I know I have been preaching :) and if I have presumed things about you that are wrong please forgive me, I just want to help if I can. God Bless :) I hope you will respond.

Hey S Spencer,

I will send this to you as I feel we consider each other as brothers. I thought I was clear when I ended my conversation about the Trinity, but it does not sound like that is not understood with the comments I have read.

I will ask this question not to stump anyone, but it is one I have not ever answered.

First, I would like to say Jesus was before any creation, He is the beginning of creation, and all was created after Him and through Him, but it was in God's plan of creation that Jesus being appointed heir to, Heb 1:1-4. Jesus was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:14 and in the fullness of time He was conceived, Ephesians 1:9-10. There were two Adams and Jesus is the last Adam both Adams who were men who came into this world without sin. The first sinned and the last lived perfect totally obedient to the Father.

Question, Jesus was conceived and brought forth the only begotten Son of God to die for the sins of mankind. If Jesus was preexisting, an immortal being, God the son. How can an immortal being die? How can God be tempted, James 1:13, but it is clear Jesus was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15 and He died shedding His blood to cover our sins.

Can God die? If not, how are our sins covered? Could the works of the devil be undone if God fulfilled the law that was made for man? The law was made for man and a man had to live without sin to fulfill it. What is the meaning of Acts 2:24 if Jesus was not a man?

Sorry to send this to you but anyone can answer, Love you brother.

God bless,

RLW

Hello Pnovello

Well my opinion is that healing IS actually a matter of faith. I don't know you and the circumstances you are living under so I am talking in general. When Jesus was ministering in this world nobody who came to Him and requested their heailing was left uncured, unless there was unbelief. Mark 6:5-6, "And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief...". So it seems it was not possible even for Jesus to heal some people. Not because He did not have the power to do so but because the power of God has to meet our faith to be energized. Faith is the most essential thing in the christian belief. Through faith Abraham was considered righteous by God, through his faith he almost sacrificed Isaac and through his faith he received him back. Through our faith in Jesus' sacrifice we receive eternal life. God has chosen faith to be the condition of receiving things by Him, material things or spiritual. Without faith nobody receives anything from God. James 1:6-7, " But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. "

Jesus gave his life for us not only for our righteousness but for our illnesses as well. Isaiah 53:5, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." But as we need faith to be saved, similarly we need faith for the healing of our body and soul. Without faith non of those comes to us. We are not any different from other people, we get ill like everybody else. But we were given the right from God to ask Him to cure us and receive it. So lets energize our faith. Being close to God uplifts our faith. So lets move closer to Him. GBU

The joy of the LORD is my strength! Many times I have to remind myself of the persecutions I will go through and have gone through because of my faith in CHRIST JESUS.

I thank the brethren on this forum for their faithfulness and love for the word and the fellow saints. Stand and be encouraged for as GOD reminds us, this too will pass. These verses have helped me... Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; probably one of the hardest for me - Romans 8:28. And many more- I'm sure veteran saints on this forum can add others too.

It is difficult, but we are called to be a blessing to as many as possible without expecting any type of return - horizontally. Our blessing will come vertically, from above,

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Sorry Brethren! didn't mean to be preachy.

GOD to shine HIS blessed face on you and your family during this wonderful time of praising of our SAVIOR.

Merry Christmas and have a prosperous New Year!

December 20, 2023